Liberia 0-1 Mali: Erradi Flopped Again in AFCON Qualifiers

Paynesville, Liberia: The Lone Star of Liberia suffered their second straight defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after a nail-biting 1-0 defeat to Mali on Tuesday night on home soil.

Expectations fell short at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex when Coach Mohammed Erradi's men failed to produce the desired results before thousands of cheering home fans.

The Lone Star began the match on a fine note, holding their Malian counterparts to a goalless draw in the first half—an initial performance that shook the stands.

At that moment, hopes remain high as many kept their faith that the Lone Star would have capitalized on home advantage and pick their first point (s) in the qualifiers.

But, things later turned the other way for Coach Mohammed Erradi's Lone Star in the second half, when visitors got the breakthrough in the 79th minute.

French League 2 Stade de Reims midfielder Martial Tia's lone goal was enough to give the Eagles of Mali all 3 points away from home at the SKD Sports Stadium.

The latest defeat means Liberia has conceded twice in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, as Erradi seems to be losing grips in the early run of Liberia's qualification campaign.

The Lone Star opened their qualifiers on a disappointing note, losing 3-1 to Rwanda, before facing another setback against Mali.

Despite Tuesday night's defeat, Erradi insisted his men were good on the pitch. He said he saw a lot of potentials that the team can achieve and become a better side.

"We did very well. Our players are very strong, we put up attacks and chances. We have to be honest with ourselves", he said after the defeat.

The result also extended Coach Mohammed Erradi's wait for a win with the Lone Star in competitive matches since taking charge.

His official competitive stats include 2 games, 2 defeats. This is happening at a time Liberians are running impatient to see the Red, White and Blue colors back on the biggest African Football stage.

The nation last featured in the AFCON tournament in 2002, about 24 years ago. However, another race for qualifiers is underway.

As it stands, Liberia currently finds itself at the bottom (4th place) of Group K with 0 points from two matches. Cape Verde sits 3rd with 0 points (goals advantage over Liberia.

While, Rwanda chairs the group with 6 points, and a goal advantage, followed by Mali who sits in the second place with the same points.